Ryan Gosling has carved out a remarkable career as an actor known for his nuanced performances, but his work in La La Land (2016), directed by Damien Chazelle, stands as a testament to the power of the actor as a conduit for storytelling through sound and music. As an actor, Gosling doesn’t just perform on screen—he embodies the spirit of his character, with every note, gesture, and moment contributing to a greater narrative fabric. However, it’s the symbiotic relationship between sound, music, and performance in La La Land that elevates his work from a mere portrayal to an unforgettable cinematic experience.
In La La Land, the soundtrack is not just an accompaniment to the narrative—it is the narrative. The music serves as a central pillar, guiding the emotional journey of the film’s two main characters, Mia (Emma Stone) and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), and intricately mirroring their desires, their dreams, and ultimately, their heartbreak. The film fuses elements of jazz, contemporary styles, and traditional musical theater, creating a unique soundscape that resonates deeply with its audience. This collaboration between the actor, director, and composer showcases how music and sound design can transcend the boundaries of traditional storytelling and become integral to the emotional core of a film.
Music as a Storytelling Tool
The La La Land soundtrack, composed by Justin Hurwitz, blends a variety of musical genres, each selected to enhance the emotional tone of the scenes and reveal the internal lives of the characters. In a film where the visual aesthetics are drenched in nostalgia, the music reflects the timeless longing and hope that define the characters’ dreams. The songs in La La Land do more than underscore the action—they serve as a language in themselves, revealing things the dialogue cannot express.
One of the most iconic tracks from the film, “City of Stars,” is a perfect example of how music in La La Land captures both the thematic essence of the film and the emotions of the characters. The song encapsulates the film’s central motifs of aspiration, ambition, and romantic longing, all set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, the city of dreams. Gosling’s soft, melancholic voice in this track evokes Sebastian’s yearning for success in the world of jazz while also expressing his growing affection for Mia. The simplicity of the piano, paired with the intimate lyrics, allows the audience to feel the bittersweet nature of the character’s dreams—dreams that, as the film progresses, come into conflict with the realities of life.
In the early scenes of the film, music serves as an expression of freedom and possibility. The jazz compositions that Gosling’s character Sebastian plays are upbeat, lively, and filled with the spirit of improvisation. However, as the relationship between Mia and Sebastian deepens, and the realities of their separate dreams begin to take shape, the music becomes more introspective and reflective. The themes of jazz and musical theater in the soundtrack symbolize the tension between the joy of artistic creation and the sacrifices necessary to pursue one’s ambitions.
Through this shifting musical tone, the soundtrack mirrors the evolving emotional landscape of the characters. As their relationship grows more complicated, the music becomes more subdued, sometimes even melancholy. For instance, “Epilogue,” the final number of the film, is an emotionally charged medley that fuses elements of earlier motifs from the film, now infused with a sense of regret and what-ifs. This track represents not only the dissolution of their romantic relationship but also the emotional arc of the characters, captured perfectly through the music. This nuanced interplay between music and emotion demonstrates the central role music plays in shaping the narrative structure of La La Land.
The Role of Sound Design
While music in La La Land often takes center stage, the sound design plays an equally important role in shaping the film’s atmosphere. Damien Chazelle and his team used sound to enhance the emotional depth of the narrative, often letting ambient noise and silence speak louder than words. In Gosling’s films, sound design is not just a backdrop; it’s a tool for storytelling that shapes the emotional landscape of the characters.
In La La Land, the sound of a piano—particularly in scenes where Gosling’s character plays—serves as an extension of his inner world. The sound is often delicate, filled with pauses and subtle imperfections that express the fragility of his character’s dreams. Whether it’s the soft tapping of the piano keys in the opening number “Another Day of Sun,” or the heightened urgency of the piano in “Mia & Sebastian’s Theme,” the piano sound serves as a narrative device that communicates the highs and lows of the characters’ emotional journeys.
The use of silence also plays a critical role in the film. In certain scenes, the absence of music or the use of minimal sound heightens the emotional tension. One such moment is the scene where Sebastian and Mia, after a brief separation, reflect on their lives and their dreams. The absence of music here underscores the isolation they feel despite their shared history and love for each other. This subtle use of silence serves to amplify the emotions without the need for overtly dramatic musical cues.
The Collaboration Between Director and Composer
Damien Chazelle’s collaboration with composer Justin Hurwitz was pivotal in the creation of La La Land’s iconic sound. Their partnership—built on a shared understanding of music’s role in storytelling—allowed them to craft a soundscape that felt both timeless and modern. Chazelle’s vision for the film was to create a musical that felt authentic, and Hurwitz’s score achieved that by drawing on a deep knowledge of jazz, musical theater, and contemporary styles. The music in La La Land is not merely a tool to accompany the narrative—it is a co-creator of the emotional experience, offering a glimpse into the souls of the characters.
Ryan Gosling’s role in the film is deeply connected to the music. As a character who is passionate about jazz, Gosling’s portrayal of Sebastian is defined by his ability to play the piano. His involvement in the musical sequences—whether playing or singing—adds a layer of authenticity to his performance. Gosling himself worked hard to learn the piano for the role, and this commitment to the character’s musicality brings an added depth to his portrayal. The film’s music is not just a plot device; it’s a medium through which Gosling’s character is revealed and developed. The effort that Gosling put into his musical performance elevates the film, making it an immersive experience for the audience.
The process of composing the film’s score was intricate and involved close collaboration between Chazelle, Hurwitz, and the rest of the team. Hurwitz’s music often reflects the themes of La La Land—the tension between dreams and reality, the highs and lows of romance, and the passion that drives the characters. As Gosling’s character navigates his journey, the score underscores his internal conflicts, his passions, and his vulnerabilities. The fusion of Hurwitz’s music and Gosling’s acting creates a harmonious relationship that makes the emotional beats of the film even more resonant.
The Impact of Music on Character Development
Music, in La La Land, plays a crucial role in the development of its characters. For Mia and Sebastian, their evolving relationship is mirrored by the shifting musical tones that accompany their interactions. At the beginning of the film, their connection is characterized by spontaneity and joy, embodied in jazz, the music of freedom and expression. As they face the reality of pursuing their dreams—Mia’s ambition to become an actress and Sebastian’s desire to revive traditional jazz—the music reflects the growing complexities of their relationship.
In particular, Gosling’s character is deeply connected to jazz as a form of artistic expression. His role as a musician is more than a plot point—it represents the tension between artistic integrity and commercial success. His character’s journey parallels the evolution of jazz itself, which is at once a symbol of rebellion and a genre that has evolved over time. Gosling’s performance as Sebastian, shaped by his musicality, deepens the character’s emotional arc, allowing the audience to understand his frustrations and his passions through the music.
As the narrative unfolds, the music shifts in tone. In scenes where the characters are happy, the music is buoyant and hopeful. As their struggles intensify, the music becomes more reflective and melancholic. The evolution of the music mirrors the evolution of the characters, creating a seamless connection between the emotional and musical beats of the film.
Cultural and Emotional Impact
The cultural impact of La La Land’s music cannot be overstated. The film’s soundtrack captivated audiences worldwide and even sparked a renewed interest in jazz music. Through the lens of a modern musical, Chazelle and Hurwitz reintroduced jazz to a younger generation, demonstrating its emotional power and relevance in today’s world. The film’s music became iconic, not only for its role in the narrative but also for its cultural resonance. Songs like “City of Stars” and “Another Day of Sun” became anthems, celebrating the pursuit of dreams and the joy of artistic expression.
Beyond its cultural impact, the emotional resonance of the music in La La Land helped the film become a beloved cinematic work. The combination of Gosling’s heartfelt performance, Chazelle’s direction, and Hurwitz’s music created a film that transcends traditional boundaries of cinema, making it a universal experience that resonates with anyone who has ever dreamed of something more. The emotional depth of the music allows the audience to connect with the characters on a personal level, creating an experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
Conclusion
In Ryan Gosling’s films, particularly in La La Land, music and sound design play an indispensable role in shaping the narrative, deepening character development, and leaving a lasting cultural impact. The soundtrack of La La Land is a masterful blend of jazz, musical theater, and contemporary styles that enhances the emotional weight of the story. Through the collaboration between Chazelle, Hurwitz, and Gosling, music becomes a language of its own, capturing the essence of the characters and the complexities of their dreams. The fusion of story and sound in La La Land is a testament to the power of music in filmmaking—proof that a well-crafted soundtrack can elevate a film from good to unforgettable.
